Dream Homes and Development Corp.
Dream Building LLC.
Nearly Famous Rebuilding, Renovation, and Elevation Blog
1-1-18
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all –
I hope this blog finds you well and having a wonderful holiday season. Other than the bitter cold, it hasn’t been that terrible. We even had a (slightly) white Christmas.
Today, among other things, we discuss the Coastal A zone and its particular requirements, in an effort to save your project from being derailed. We talk about a new single-family home we’ll be starting on Clairmore Avenue in Lacey, which will be available in June of this year. We again remind you about the effective winterization of your home before doing utility disconnects, so your pipes don’t burst incurring you major costs. We again recap Scott Lepley’s excellent presentation on home solar, which gives you enough information to intelligently start your research. We talk about our planning board appearance from 12/11/17 in Lacey Township, where we’re seeking approvals for 58 townhomes. Finally we welcome Doug Quinn to the Dream Homes family as our newest client. It’s been a busy few weeks.
Tempus fugit! (that means Time is Fleeting, in Latin): Time is running out for projects you want to have completed by Summer 2018. You need to submit plans during January to have a good chance of being finished in time for summer. Remember – there’s a ton of work that happens before the construction begins on a project – the planning stage is usually equal in time to the actual construction. If you know you’re going to commit to your project, don’t wait for the last minute. Pick a contractor or builder and get started.
A Warm Welcome to Doug Quinn – After years of carefully considering which builder to use for his new home, Dream Homes is honored that Doug trust us with the construction of his new home in Toms River. Doug has been extremely active since Storm Sandy, not only assisting personally in numerous flood zones, but appearing repeatedly before legislative bodies in support of people affected by flooding and new FEMA regulations. At Dream we wholeheartedly support him in his efforts and welcome him to the Dream Homes family.
New Home in Lacey – $259,900: If you’re in the market for a new home, we’ll be building one of our models on Clairmore Avenue in Lacey this spring. It will be a 3-4 bedroom, 2 bath house with a raised enclosed basement, built on pilings. Before we start in March, you can pick all your colors – roof, siding, flooring and cabinets. Give us a call at 609 693 8881 for further information.
Coastal A Zone – Reminders & Cautions: This is an item we’ve discussed before, but it is still commonly missed and can cause both delay and extra expense during your design phase.
It is not enough to determine the general flood zone your home is in – if you are in an A zone, you also must make sure you are not in a Coastal A zone, which is a further subcategory. The single biggest reason this is an important consideration is that in the Coastal A zone, deep foundation systems are required, and you cannot add to existing block foundations (unless the foundation has pilings below grade and a concrete grade beam footing). This was not always the case in A zones and is due to a change in the code which was finalized in March of 2016.
A deep foundation system can be either timber or helical pilings, depending upon whether your home can be moved out of the way or not. Timber piles are much less expensive and the preferred method if your yard is large enough for a move, or there is an empty lot nearby that you can “borrow”. Compounding the cost and design considerations is the fact that even if after you install a deep foundation system, you cannot build regular concrete block or frame walls. They must be specifically designed as “breakaway walls”, and concrete breakaway walls are complex and expensive, which leaves you essentially forced to build frame walls with a cement board enclosure.
This seemingly minor consideration (whether you are in a Coastal A) can affect you greatly if your architect or engineer designs to normal A zone constraints, only to later to discover that your home is in a Coastal A zone. This epiphany will usually happen in the building review stage, after you’ve already designed an entire foundation system based on building with concrete block, either on top of existing block or with a normal concrete footing set 30” below grade. Not only is the foundation redesign going to cost you several thousand dollars, but this error will cost you 1-2 months in delays. On top of all that happy news, in most cases the actual construction cost will increase significantly.
The easiest way to avoid this pitfall is to consult directly with your surveyor or go on www.region2coastal.com to check yourself. Plug in your address and check to see if there is a solid line running anywhere near your lot, with small triangles interspersed along the line. The points of the triangles face toward the Coastal A zone and if your home is in that area, you are subject to the design criteria above. Note also that Coastal A zones are commonly on or very near the open bayfront or riverfront. If you are 3-4 houses distance from the water, you are probably in a regular A zone.
Solar Discussions & Feasibility – Partial repeat
Of particular note at our 12/6/17 seminar was Scott Lepley’s presentation on solar installation for residential homes. Speaking from experience with 3 of his own homes, Scott detailed costs, yield, return on investment and feasibility in a concise informative presentation. Here are some of the highlights of his presentation.
A 5-kilowatt system, which produces 6 megawatts of power per year and is normally enough to run a 2500 – 3000 square foot house, costs about $18,000 – $20,000. The system is comprised of individual panels which each produce about 300 watts and cost between $1000 and $1500 per panel. For optimum efficiency, the panels should be oriented towards the south and ideally be placed at a 40% angle towards the sun. For best results, there should be no trees in the way, or the amount of energy generated is decreased. Scott recommends LG panels, but there are other comparable panels on the market.
From a financial perspective, there is a federal tax credit of 30% in the first year of ownership, which effectively cuts the price to about $12,000 – $14,000. Approximately $1200 – $1500 per year is generated in electric savings, and for each megawatt of power that is created per year, one SREC (Solar Renewable Energy Credit) is earned. SRECs are currently selling for $190 each, so that is another $1000 – $1200 per year in savings. Keep in mind that the tax benefits and SRECs only accrete to the owner of the system, so if you lease a system from a No Money Down Solar provider, you enjoy only partial energy savings, but none of the other benefits.
Utility Disconnects: Important Note: Remember to blow out your pipes when you shut your water. It is not generally sufficient to just open all faucets and valves, since water sits in the lowest point in each fixture. Toilets need to be thoroughly drained and non-caustic antifreeze installed. If you have hot water baseboard heat and a boiler, you must blow out your lines or they will definitely burst, and you’ll be stuck with a hefty repair bill when you turn the water back on. We automatically do winterizing for all homes we start after October 15th, but sometimes it’s easy to forget to thoroughly winterize when the weather is in the 50’s, 60’s and 70’s.
Press Release – Dream Homes New Home Developments & Projects: Repeat: If you’ve been following the blog and website, you know some of the projects that Dream has been working on. See some excerpts below and check the 11/26/17 blog for the full release.
FORKED RIVER, NJ – November 20, 2017 – Dream Homes & Development Corporation (OTCQB: DREM), a licensed new home builder and general contractor in New Jersey and Florida, is pleased to announce several new LOI’s to build townhomes and single-family homes. Dream is also providing updates on projects previously announced, and notes that it just won Best of the Best in Ocean Country from the Asbury Park Press for two categories: “Best Home Improvement Contractor” and “Best Modular Home Builder”.
- A contract was signed to acquire the rights to a purchase contract for 48 waterfront townhomes with boat slips in Lacey, NJ. The project is currently in the approval process and is partially improved with all boat slips built. It has a retail value of $21 million and is expected to start in late 2018 or early 2019.
- Dream Homes just received CAFRA approval for the 58-unit townhouse development in Lacey Township, and was deemed technically complete Monday, November 13. A planning board hearing for preliminary and final site plan and subdivision approval was heard on December 11, 2017 and is scheduled for another hearing on February 14th, 2018. Several concerns from the Planning Board were addressed.
Dream Homes – Awarded the Best Home Improvement Contractor and Best Modular Home Builder in Ocean County for 2017 by the Asbury Park Press. That’s something we’re very proud of, but we’re even more proud that we’ve recently passed the milestone of 200 completed elevation/renovation projects since Storm Sandy. Dream looks forward to continuing to help New Jersey rebuild in the months and years ahead. Thanks to all the clients and friends who voted for us in that survey!
Future Seminars and Events
Our next Rebuilding Seminar will be held Wednesday March 14th, 2018 at 6 pm at the Tuscan Bar and Grill on Hooper Avenue in Toms River, across from the Ocean County Mall. We’ll be joined by Kathleen Dotoli, Esquire, Jason Devooght (Devooght House Lifters) and Dan Wheaton, architect. As always, we’ll also be streaming it on Facebook Live and be online if you want to email questions or comments while the seminar is under way.
If you’re planning a project, whether a new home, elevation or renovation, and you haven’t already attended one of our seminars, come for tons of helpful information from our excellent speakers. We focus on homeowners early in the rebuilding process, who haven’t completed design work, or chosen a builder or architect.
We talk about architectural and engineering planning, construction technique, RREM guidance, choosing the right builder and consumer safety cautions, financing your project, and tips about home elevation in general. We also talk about RREM issues, (the lunacy of) managing your own project, and ways to avoid delays and going over budget. So, mark the date and call 609 693 8881 or 732 300 5619 to reserve your space if you want to attend. Pizza and wine will be served, and space is limited.
Dream Homes – Kitchen & Bath Design Studio & Custom Modular Division –
Though we’re known more for new homes and elevation projects than kitchens and baths, we also do quite a bit of remodeling. An excellent place for you to start Is at our Custom Modular, Kitchen & Bath design studio at 2109 Bridge Avenue in Point Pleasant, with complete kitchen layouts, flooring selections and our own in house modular home design studio. As necessary parts of the 1900 home projects we’ve completed since 1993, we are well equipped to accommodate your remodeling needs, from the simple to the most complex. Call 609 693 8881 to schedule an appointment or just stop by. You’re invited to visit us and see what we have – hours are Monday through Saturday from 9 – 2, closed on Tuesday, with other hours by appointment.
Hurricane Preparation: So good I keep repeating it! We again remind you again about common-sense preparations to make for the next hurricane, with a link to the FEMA guide, “How to Prepare for a Hurricane”, which you must print now so you can refer to it if the power goes out. Hurricane Preparation – FEMA Hurricane Prep, Common Sense Reminders & Sobering Statistics: I’ve included it again here because it is so useful. Entitled “FEMA’s guide on How to Prepare for a Hurricane”, it includes tips on what to do before, during and after the storm to protect yourself and your property. Again, print this guide now for your reference – if the power goes out, you won’t be able to access the internet.
Dream Homes FAQ’s (Frequently Asked Questions) Partial Repeat
Here are a few items from our FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions) section. The October 8th blog has all of them or you can get them from our website at www.dreamhomesltd.com. It’s a useful, concise guide to address common questions and lets you know what you can expect when you choose Dream Homes as your builder.
Solar Power at Home –More Info and link: For the full story check the 10/29/17 blog, and here is the link.
Dream Homes & Development Corporation – who we are: As you may know, Dream Homes & Development Corp. (OTCOB: Ticker DREM) is a publicly traded, fully reporting (audited) company, and we’ve just released our 2nd quarter financials. I’m proud to report that sales, earnings and contracts have all increased significantly. Dream is the region’s most trusted new home builder and home improvement contractor and was recently awarded the Best Home Improvement Contractor and Best Modular Home Builder in Ocean County for 2016 by the Asbury Park Press. Dream is growing, improving our operations and service and adding new members to our team to better serve you. You can view financials on our web site at www.dreamhomesltd.com. Click on the SEC tab at the bottom of the page for information.
Dream Homes has a main office in Forked River and a Modular Design Center in Point Pleasant, and we’re the only public company doing home elevation work in New Jersey. You can view all the information about us online and if you like us and believe in what we’re doing, we would love to have you as shareholders. For more information and an information package, contact Matt Chipman, our investor relations person. Matt can be reached at (818) 923-5302, (310) 709-5646 or matt@GreenChipIR.com. You can view our operational results and financials at any time on our website at www.dreamhomesltd.com or at www.sec.gov.
Mission Statement and Comment: At Dream Homes, we’re the region’s most trusted builder and we’ll help you when no one else will. We regularly handle messy and unpleasant real estate, construction and renovation situations. We do the elevation, renovation and new home projects that few other people can do, and help people finish and get back in their homes. If you’re stuck and can’t figure out how to proceed, call us and we’ll do our best to help you.
At Dream Homes, we believe that taking on difficult unpopular projects is part of the social contract we have with the community and the Jersey Shore. We’ve never abandoned a client or failed to finish a project – we feel very strongly that it is our obligation to help Sandsters and others in need.
Design & Hiring Your Own Architect: Generally, design & architectural fees are usually itemized separately and are (for us) a pass-through cost. In other words, we oversee the entire design process and it costs our clients the same amount (usually much less) of money than if the homeowner deals with the architect directly. This also results in significant savings in both construction design and redesign fees. Remember – the person who is going to build the project should be involved in the design from inception, so practical best practices can be designed in from the start.
Insulation & Wall Thickness – How Much Is Needed and What’s Involved? See the blog of 11/18/17 for useful information on Insulation technique, wall thicknesses & energy efficiency
Siding, Trim and other Exterior Finishes: See the blog of 8/26/17 for useful information on choices for siding, trim and other finishes.
Decks, more decks and railing…Decks are one of the more popular improvements and one of the easiest ways to add value to your home. Decks fall into 3 main categories – pressure treated, composite and fiberglass. Railings can be pressure treated, vinyl rail or glass.
New Beach Bungalow on your lot from $89,800!! This model is perfect for many small lots in the shore area including Ocean Beach, Lavallette, Ortley and South Seaside Park.
Seaview and Bayview Models: From $149,000 including demolition. These homes are 2-3 bedrooms and 2 baths and suitable for 40-60 foot wide lots. Call 609 693 8881 for details.
Is your home improvement contractor or new home builders willing to provide a turn-key project? It’s messy, requires diverse skill sets and deep administrative support and places all responsibility for everything directly on the builder’s shoulders. Dream Homes regularly perform turn-key renovation and design build projects and will remain as one of the best, solid companies in the years to come. This matters to you because if a company isn’t committed to being in the line of work for which you are contracting, they will not support it correctly during and after the project. That means less resources (personnel and otherwise) devoted to your project. Currently at Dream Homes, we’ve been actively hiring carpenters, helpers, marketing and support staff for 2 years. We’re committed to the elevation /renovation business and improve every single day – our commitment to provide additional, better resources to our clients is ongoing.
Moral of the story: Try and avoid working with any company not committed to the type of project you are undertaking. Ask to see current projects in process or being started.
Need to Phone a Friend? Need a Rescue? 2017 Scheduling & Priority projects – If you’re stuck in a stalled project for whatever reason (contractor in jail or indicted, bankrupt, lazy, inept, no money, etc.) we’ll help you with a prompt evaluation of your situation. We do consultation and estimates immediately for projects that are stuck. It doesn’t change what happened to you in the past, but at least you’ll know how to get back on track, without chasing someone for a month to get an initial meeting and written estimate. As a note, often we’re the only company willing to finish projects that have been abandoned.
Kathleen M. Dotoli, Esquire – Consumer Protection: Kathleen is a workers’ compensation and disability attorney in Toms River and speaks regularly at our Rebuilding Seminar. Kathy gives an excellent presentation about consumer protection that will save you money and grief. (Next one is Wednesday, December 6th, 2017). Email Kathy at kmdotoli611@aol.com or call her office at 732 228 7534 for a copy of her seminar presentation.
Video & Past Seminars
Photos & Videos – Click on the link below
https://blog.dreamhomesltd.com/video-photo/
Future Homes & Townhomes for Sale: We’re actively working on the development approvals for several properties in Bayville and Forked River.
Dream Homes at Tallwoods: We’ll be offering 13 beautiful new 3 and 4-bedroom single-family homes for sale in the mid $200,000 range in late 2017 / early 2018.
Dream Homes at the Pines: 58 new 2-3 bedroom townhomes, with garages, in a private wooded setting. Anticipated opening in spring / summer 2018.
If you’re looking for new homes this year or early next year, give us a call and we’ll get you information.
Yeah, We Do That for You… This was an excellent article from the 1/8/17 blog, which received positive response from many people. If you missed it, go back and read it now at https://blog.dreamhomesltd.com/2017/01/08/dream-homes-nearly-famous-rebuilding-blog-1-8-17-why-use-dream-homes-yeah-we-do-that-for-you-hometown-hero-award-in-brick-rebuilding-seminar-1-18-16/
Definitions & Important Considerations That Can Delay Your Project: Click on the link below
https://blog.dreamhomesltd.com/definitions/
References & Testimonials – Click on the link below
https://blog.dreamhomesltd.com/references/
Remember – if you have a specific question, send me an email or a text. Don’t wait for a seminar or a site visit to clarify a point. Whether you are a Dream Homes client or not, I’ll always try and help you or guide you in the right direction. If you’ve sent an email or left a voice mail and haven’t received a response, try and contact me again. Messages are lost occasionally.
Note to Sandsters: Though I write this blog and hold the seminars to help guide homeowners through the maze that is any reconstruction project, Dream Homes does what I write about. Dream Homes & Development Corp. and Dream Building LLC are new home builders and general contractors who are actively renovating and reconstructing projects up and down the shore. We supervise and manage elevation projects & house moves, demolish and build new homes, and develop and build entire new neighborhoods. In the past 23 years, we’ve completed over 1500 new homes, 190 elevation projects and 500,000 square feet of commercial buildings. 28 of our elevation projects have been rescue projects, where we came in to save a homeowner when someone else left. Dream builds new homes, demolishes existing damaged homes, elevates and move homes, complete additions and renovations and rescues homeowners when their other contractors abandon them. We work with private clients as well as Path B clients in the RREM program. Call, text or email to set up an appointment for a free estimate on your rebuilding project.
That’s all for today Sandsters. I hope my words helps you move forward. As always, call or write with any questions.
Regards,
Vince Simonelli
Dream Homes & Development Corp. (OTCQB: DREM)
Dream Building LLC
New Home Builder #049531
Home Improvement Contractor #13VH09325600
Office: 314 S. Main Street
Mailing: PO Box 627
Forked River, NJ 08731
Office: 609 693 8881 F: 609 693 3802 Cell: 732 300 5619
Email: vince@dreamhomesltd.com
Website: www.dreamhomesltd.com
Blog: http://blog.dreamhomesltd.com
Twitter: #foxbuilder
The Region’s Most Trusted Builder 